Page 31

With the trunk show a tremendous success behind her and the hectic planning of the wedding, Maxie felt as if she was torn into a million directions. Her parents had cut their travels short and came home a week before the ceremony.

Dinner had been slightly strained at first, but they had both been won over by Kai, who was determined to make up for what he had done to their daughter in the past.

"He loves you." Her mother remarked later while they were having drinks in the living room of Kai's apartment. "It's obvious by the way he looks at you and the fact that he cannot take his eyes off you." She hugged her daughter in a warm embrace. "I recalled how unhappy you were for so long and to see you smiling again, I am more than convinced that this is a really good match. Not to mention he's completely gorgeous and rich as Croesus." She added with a twinkle in her eyes.

She had not said anything to her fiancé, but she was also designing her own wedding dress with the help from an expert at Romano's much to Yvette's shock.

"That's not a thing. You're not supposed to design your own dress. Honey, I know you're exceptionally good at this design deal, but what the hell?"

"I have specifics that only I can envision. Half Japanese, half American." She waved a hand. "I cannot fully explain it. I want to show his family that I have embraced even part of their culture. Kai does not care, but his mother does."

She spent her free time while she was at the store, fine-tuning the design and sending it over to Alecia at Romano's who had gushed over the design.

"Darling, I might just have to steal this style. It's wonderful."

"And one of a kind. I want it to be perfect."

And it was. Staring at herself in the full-length mirror, she could not believe it was her wedding day. Christmas Eve. She was marrying the man she had been in love with for most of her life.

She shifted as her mother, best friend, looking stunning in lime green wool, strolled in, with gasps of amazement.

"My God, darling, you look like a queen." Adelaide rushed over to embrace her daughter, her eyes welling with tears. "I'm officially ruining my makeup. We brought champagne of course." Stepping back, she held her daughter at arms' length. "The dress. It's a knockout."

"Your mother is right. I had my doubts about you doing this, but girl, you nailed it. The reporters are going to have a field day. The fabric--" Yvette handed her a glass brimming with bubbly. "The sheer material at the bosom, hiding just enough flesh to titillate the eyes. And the swirl of material drifting from the waist down. That man of yours is going to be completely bowled over."

"That's the plan."

"And you're using a parasol, the exact shade and fabric of the dress." Her mother exclaimed. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a delicate handkerchief as she took a sip of champagne. "And here's your something borrowed and blue." Whipping out an oblong box, she opened it to reveal a stunning sapphire brooch.

"Oh mom! It's absolutely darling." She turned to allow it to be pinned on her bosom.

"Something old and something new." Yvette clasped a twisty copper bracelet around her wrist. "Remember this?"

"Of course," Tears filled her eyes. "The first thing I ever designed."

"And something new. From Akemi. She wanted to give us a moment together. A silk handkerchief she made herself."

"And it's well needed." Taking it, she dabbed at her eyes and turned to take one last look in the mirror.

"I'm ready."

Kai hated to admit that his nerves were tied up in knots. He had spent his last bachelor day with his uncles and his best friend Elijah who was standing with him as his best man. And had spent almost the entire night missing the feel of her body against his.

Now he was standing inside the chapel before friends and family waiting for the first glimpse of the woman he had loved since he was seventeen.

"Relax friend." Elijah whispered in an aside. "It's not like she's planning on standing you up."

"Bite your bloody tongue."

His friend's soft chuckle was cut short as the music changed, indicating the arrival of the bride.

He was not aware that his breath was strangling in his throat, until he heard the soft whistle from his friend and the hush from the guests.

"Good God." Elijah whispered reverently. "I cannot believe she's real. You're a hell of a fortunate man."

He did not respond because he was suddenly speechless. She was twirling a parasol, her face glowing. Her hair was loose, with tiny flowers placed strategically at the front.

He saw no one but her. Not the man whose arm she was holding, not the guests staring at him. It was just her. And she took his breath away. He felt his throat clogging, his body heating up and his heart pounding. This woman was walking towards him, intent on vowing to be his until they both die, which (please God! Let it be many years from now). He had wasted ten years already and hated himself for it. He wasn't going to waste a minute more. Moving forward, he nodded to her father and took her hands in his, expression eloquent.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He murmured hoarsely. "And you're mine."

"All yours. Always." She whispered back, her fingers gripping his.

"Did you know?"

"Know what?" He asked distractedly. His new bride was dancing with her dad and laughing at something he was saying to her. She had put away the parasol and the gauzy wrap that came with the dress, leaving her shoulders and upper arms bare.

"About the dress."

He finally tore his gaze from his bride to stare at the petite woman in his arms. His mother looked quietly serene in a pink and white kimono, a smile on her lips.

"No." He shook his head. "She did not share her plan with me. I wouldn't have cared what she wore as long as she was meeting me in that chapel and pledging her life to me."

"She did it as a courtesy for me. I really like her darling."

"She likes you too. Immensely." Bending, he kissed her cheeks. "Thanks for your support."

"You're happy."

"More than I've ever been in my life." Lifting his head, he caught his bride's eyes and felt his heart melting.

"You deserve it."

They spent their honeymoon in Japan. Osaka was a wonder and perfect because she had never been there before.

It was his second home, the place where he had spent the years after his dad had died, learning the ropes from his uncles.

He took her everywhere -- the Osaka castle, steeped in rich history that combines architectural elegance and modern techniques. They visited the Tsutenkaku Tower, better known as the 'Eiffel tower of Osaka'.

And spent their nights rediscovering the joys of being together as husband and wife.

His lovemaking took on a new intensity that first night that had her trembling, the tears running down her cheeks.

"My wife." He whispered as he undressed her. "Finally." His throat worked furiously as he tried to recover his composure. Cupping her face between his palms, he stroked his thumb over her full bottom lip. "When I think of the time I wasted--"

"No." She placed a finger over his lips to silence him. "There's no room for regret in this room -- at this time." She started to move into him, but he held her back.

"Not yet." His eyes glinted with passion. "I want to show you how much I love you." He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed them slowly, sending shivers through her body.

"I need you." She told him huskily.

"I want more than that. I want you trembling and calling out my name." There was such determination stamped on his handsome face that she felt the warning sliding down her spine.

"Kai--"

"I want you to tell me how much you love me."

"You already know I do."

"Prove it."

"I--"

"Soon."

He lowered her to the bed and climbed in next to her. He started with her cheek, trailing a finger down the flawless skin.

"It feels different." He murmured.

"Silk body wash."

"Hmm." Bending his head, he tasted, inhaling the exotic scent. "I love it."

Her fingers clutched at his shoulders, her eyes snapping closed as he continued to trail kisses down her neck. She inhaled sharply when he started licking the skin above her breasts, taking his time to savor.

"Oh Kai."

"Hmm." He loved the taste and texture of her skin and was intent on spending a hell of a long time feasting on her. She was now his wife. She had taken his name and was now Mrs. Kai Tanaka. She was his and he was hers.

The sensation hit him like a ton of bricks. Blowing on her nipple, he watched fascinated as it hardened even more. Using the palm of his hand, he reshaped the flesh, bringing it to his lips where he suckled gently at first before changing the pace as her sighs and moans filled the air. Tugging on the rigid flesh, he feasted hungrily, until she was swirling in a mist of desire so strong, it overwhelmed her.

By the time he reached her stomach, she was quivering, her brain turned to mush. Her blood was boiling so much, she felt as if she was floating a few inches off the bed.

When his tongue slid into her, she was off like a rocket. The climax blinded her, sending her into a spin that had her feeling as if she was propelled from a rocket into the middle of space. She had no idea what she said or that she was crying out his name and telling him how much she loved him. But he heard and those powerful words, sent heat soaring through his body.

Covering her body with his, he stayed still for a minute, eyes darkened, body shuddering and muscles tensed.

Tears were streaming down her cheeks, and her lips were parted and trembling. Bending his head, he brushed his lips on hers.

"I adore you baby." He whispered, voice shaking with emotions.

"I love you so much." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her face in the warmth of his throat. "It's too much, I can't stand it."

"I am yours." Tipping her chin up, he seized her lips as he drove into her. She came again, her body meeting his, her legs wrapped around his trim waist. He tried to hold out but could not control the madness that had taken over. Sensations rocked them to the core, and he followed her, pouring himself inside her.

It took him several minutes to recover enough to shift off her. But even then, he gathered her close to him and buried his face in the wealth of her hair, just breathing her in.

"You okay?" he murmured.

"Ask me when I can feel my body." She whispered against his chest.

His deep chuckle tickled her and made her smile. Lifting her head, she studied his flushed face. Brushing the lock of hair from his forehead, she kissed him on the mouth. "You're my husband."

"That I am." His lips curved slightly as he lifted her left hand. "With the rings to prove it."

"I belong to you."

"Unequivocally."

"I'm still trying to process. Mrs. Kai Tanaka." She trailed a finger over the clean-shaven jaw. "I used to spend a lot of time writing that in my diary."

The admission sent a jolt through him. "You did?"

She nodded happily, eyes twinkling. "Even years after you left."

"Baby--"

She shook her head. "It's fine. No regrets, remember?"

"No regrets." His eyes darkened as he gazed at her face. "God, you're beautiful."

"And you're gorgeous. And all mine."

"I cannot believe you're carrying twins." Yvette exclaimed as she joined her friend at the table. "How did that husband of yours take it?"

"Equal parts, excitement, and dread. He wants me to cut down my days at the store."

"Will you?"

Patting a hand over her swollen stomach, she felt the exhilaration rising. One month after their honeymoon, she had suspected that something was off. Her menstrual cycle was very regular and when she missed the first and then the second one, she knew something was up.

"I will be cutting back a few days only because the doctors advised me to and Kai has a way of getting his own way." She sighed as she took a sip of her clear broth. "The man's impossible."

"You love being a wife and very soon, you're going to be a mother."

"You're right." She laughed softly. "His mother and mine are over the moon. The uncles will be coming back for the birth." She patted her stomach again. "Kai annoys me with his constant inquiries of what my diet is like when I'm at the store. He has even gotten Marge involved. The woman dogs me every day to make sure I am eating healthy. Speaking of dogs, mom says that Brutus is pining. She wants to know if we could take turns having him over. I'm not sure I can."

"I have no problem having the ugly mutt over." She reached over to squeeze her friend's hand. "Honey, you're carrying twins. How exciting is that?"

"More than I ever dreamed of. I'm looking forward to being a mom."

She had to force herself not to squirm as he looked up from massaging her swollen ankles.

"The doctors said that apart from the ankles, we're all doing very well. And shocker, we're having twin boys. I wanted a daughter in the mix."

Ignoring the charming pout, he continued to stare at her steadily as he rubbed her ankles.

"Here's what's going to happen--"

"Look--"

"Quiet." He pressed a finger against her instep and had her purring. "You're down to two days at the store and when you're there, you do not go on the floor. Sitting at your desk and doing paperwork is okay for now, but nothing else. It's not only your ankles, but your blood pressure is elevated. Two days Maxie and that's final."

"What am I supposed to do with the rest of the time?"

"Supervising the decorations of the nursery. Make phone calls and entertain friends. Anything that keeps you from being all over the place."

"Three days."

His eyes narrowed. "We're not negotiating."

"Kai--"

"The discussion is over and done with." He propped her feet on the pillows and rose. "How about some soup?"

"Am I allowed to decide what to eat?" She had her arms folded on top her belly and was glaring at him.

"Of course. I am not a monster."

"Just go away."

"Soup it is."

Grinding her teeth, she watched as he simply walked from the room and closed the door. Ignoring the guilt, she rubbed her palm over her bump and felt the shimmer of movements beneath her hand.

"Okay dudes, it seems like you're trying to tell mama something." She sighed. "And I hate to say that daddy is right. I have been doing too much. We're not going to tell him that though; it will only make his head even bigger."

She traced lazy circles over her belly, her thoughts drifting to the nursery. Maybe supervising the decorations wasn't such a bad idea after all. The twins deserved a room that felt welcoming and serene—a space that whispered love and hope into their tiny hearts. She smiled faintly, imagining Kai assembling a crib, his brow furrowed with concentration, while she sat back with a cup of tea, coaching him with playful remarks. She laughed softly at that concept.

Her gaze fell on the stack of design magazines on the table. Perhaps it was time to start planning, and make her mind up about colors and themes, jungle, forest? Even if only to keep her mind off the limitations Kai had imposed. She wasn't used to slowing down, but maybe this was life's way of preparing her for the whirlwind of motherhood. A small kick startled her out of her reverie, and she chuckled softly.

"That's right, little ones. I'll decorate your room with all the love in the world… while keeping it a secret from Daddy how much I agree with him."

"Kenji Liam and Kaito Noah Tanaka." He was overcome. There were so many emotions tumbling around inside him, that he could barely stand it. The labor had been long and exhausting, and he had cursed himself several times for letting her talk him into her having a home delivery. It did not matter that there had been two midwives, a local nurse and a very qualified doctor on the scene. It had been too long, and he had never been so scared in his entire life.

Steadying himself against the doorframe, Kai watched the two tiny bundles swaddled in soft fabric, their small faces peaceful, their existence nothing short of a miracle. He could feel his heartbeat in his throat, thick with gratitude and awe. The home delivery had tested every ounce of his fortitude, but seeing his wife cradle their sons with a weary yet triumphant smile made every moment worth it.

The room was quiet, save for the occasional stir of the twins. The nursery, lovingly prepared under her watchful eye, now blossomed into its intended purpose—a sanctuary for their new family. The ceiling painted with delicate clouds seemed to nod approvingly, the soft hues of the walls promising calm and safety.

Kai moved silently toward her, afraid to disturb the fragile perfection of the scene. Kneeling beside the bed, he brushed a strand of hair from her damp forehead. "You did it," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "They're perfect."

She looked at him, exhausted yet radiant. "We did it," she corrected softly, her fingers tracing the tiny fists of their sons. "Our little miracles, Kai. Our family."

He swallowed hard, his thoughts briefly drifting to the long hours of labor, the moments where fear had nearly swallowed him whole. But that was all behind them now. What lay ahead was new territory. Sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and the profound joy of watching Kenji and Kaito grow.

The family had finally left, and they were now alone. He loved that it was just them. After the excitement, especially with his uncles and their theatrics, he was happy to be with just them.

"Why don't we put them down darling? They're sleeping."

"They're just so perfect and so tiny. Six pounds each. No wonder I looked like I swallowed a herd of elephants." She kissed one wrinkled forehead and then another. "Look at them darling," She examined the tiny fists before staring at the faces. "They look remarkably like you."

"We both know their looks might change." He took a baby from her and was relieved to see that even though they were identical -- Kenji -- the first to be born, had a mole at the corner of his left eye.

As soon as he had settled them in their respective cots, he turned to his wife and wrapped his arms around her waist. "And you my sweet wife, mother of my sons, need your rest." He kissed the top of her head.

"You're amazing, have I told you that already?"

"I think you did, several times." She turned in his arms. "But a woman likes to hear it often."

"You're amazing." His hands framed her face, his emotions raw. "Thank you for my family."

"You're most welcome."

Making sure she was asleep, he crept from their bed and made his way into the nursery. The mellow summer moonlight cast a glow into the room. Along with the night light in the shape of a monkey and a dinosaur, he was able to clearly see their outlines. Their names were displayed over their cots, in blue green satin, designed by his wife.

Peering into their cots, he felt the familiar constriction in his chest. He was going to be the best father to them. He would not follow his father's example of course, but would, with the help of his loving wife, chart a path for them to follow and make certain they knew they were loved and cherished.

Touching one smooth cheek and then another, he made that silent vow before leaving the room.

The end…